1. The Department was made aware of the letter when an anonymous caller wanted to confirm the legality of the letter sent out to parents by Eastleigh Primary School a few days after its distribution.
2. A school principal is the representative of the Provincial Head of Department at schools level. The principal is required in terms of Section 14-21 of the National Education Policy Act, 27 of 1996 which deals with documents required for admissions to verify all submitted documents for the purpose of admissions of all learners in a school.
3. The Department will not investigate the matter as the matter was addressed with the School Management Team and the School Governing Body. The letter of 22 February 2017 was withdrawn by the school and an apology letter was sent to all parents of the school. The Gauteng Department of Education is working with the Department of Home Affairs in the area to assist affected parents and prevent the repeat of the incident.